Limitations of metal detection technology and the fact that X-ray machinery is becoming cheaper mean that the food industry is increasingly turning towards X-ray, the company’s general manager told FoodProductionDaily.com at last month’s Anuga FoodTec.

He was speaking as the US-based firm launched its new Pack 240 XE X-ray inspection system at the Cologne trade show.

Woolford declared this had been done because of a continuing market drive to obtain superior detection capabilities currently offered by metal detection systems and the necessity to replace them.

Speaking of metal detectors in food manufacturing, he said: "It’s good at metal detection but it’s not great at metal detecting and it’s useless at detecting other contaminants.”

With a detection width of 250mm, the Pack 240 XE is suitable for any packaged good in a reasonably dry environment. Target sectors include confectionery manufacturers as well as those in bakery, dairy and meat.

Woolford also paid tribute to Eagle’s new owners, Mettler Toledo, 12 months after being taken over by the global giant. He said that while the firm had relocated to Mettler’s US headquarters in Florida, the company would continue to operate as a separate entity and that more product launches were in the pipeline.

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